TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Former Arizona State and Alabama quarterback Blake Barnett, a five-star recruit coming out of high school, has transferred to South Florida, where he'll be immediately eligible to play with two seasons remaining.

USF announced the addition of Barnett on Friday. He is expected to compete for a starting job as the Bulls try to replace three-year starter Quinton Flowers, who set numerous school records at USF and signed a free-agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Barnett was the most highly rated quarterback to recruit to sign with Nick Saban at Alabama when he joined the Crimson Tide in 2015. He was in the mix to play as a freshman, but health issues set him back and he ended up sitting out as a redshirt as Alabama won a national championship.

Barnett started the 2016 season-opener for the Crimson Tide, but quickly relinquished the job to Jalen Hurts. Soon after he left Alabama during the season and enrolled in junior college for the rest of the year, which put him in position to transfer and play in 2017 instead of sitting out the whole season as required by NCAA rules. He was initially supposed to miss the first four games of 2017, but the NCAA granted him a waiver and he was eligible to play the whole season for the Sun Devils.

But he was unable to beat out Manny Wilkins, who started for much of the 2016 season for Arizona State, and served as a backup for Arizona State in 2017. He graduated this spring, making him eligible to transfer again and not sit out.

In seven games at Alabama and Arizona State, Barnett has completed 14 of 24 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. Having played only two seasons, he still has two years of eligibility left.

At USF, Barnett will compete with junior Brett Kean and sophomore Chris Oladokun to start this season. Neither of the incumbents has started a college game and they played sparingly behind Flowers the last two seasons.

Backup QB Blake Barnett planning to transfer from ASU

April 25, 2018

Less than two years after transferring in from Alabama, junior quarterback Blake Barnett is leaving Arizona State, azcentral sports has learned.

Since he’s on pace to graduate this summer, Barnett should be eligible to play this season. Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports reported Barnett this weekend is taking an official visit to South Florida. The quarterback has two seasons of eligibility.

"The past three years have been extremely beneficial to my growth and development as a man and a football player," Barnett later posted on his Twitter account. "I am beyond fortunate and thankful for the experiences I have had both at Alabama and Arizona State. I can truly say that I have faced humility and matured immensely since coming out of high school and I know that I am a better man because of it."

The 6-foot-5 Barnett – a five-star high school prospect – has had a rocky college career. After redshirting his freshman season, Barnett opened 2016 as Alabama's starter, a job he didn't keep for long. Barnett transferred to ASU not much later, choosing the Sun Devils over California, Oregon, Washington and Washington State.

Many expected Barnett to start right away in Tempe but the transition was difficult. An initial blow: Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey – a main reason Barnett chose ASU – left for a similar position at Auburn just a few weeks after the quarterback’s arrival. Incumbent starter Manny Wilkins then showed he wasn’t ready to give up his starting job.

As Wilkins’ backup, Barnett didn’t get much of an opportunity last season. ASU struggled early, which prevented mop-up experience. Over 13 games, Barnett threw only five passes, completing three.

This spring – with new coach Herm Edwards and first-year offensive coordinator Rob Likens watching – Barnett looked sharper over 15 practices. He spent most sessions battling with sophomore Dillon Sterling-Cole for the No. 2 spot behind Wilkins. According to a source close to Barnett, the quarterback informed ASU of his intentions to leave shortly after the April 13 spring game.

Barnett has other things to consider: Over the offseason he married his long-time girlfriend and became a father. Although he could have landed ASU’s starting job next season, Barnett's new family created a stronger sense of urgency to get on the field. Barnett politely declined media requests throughout spring practice.

"... I am looking forward to graduating this semester and still having two years of eligibility to try and reach my personal goals of reaching the NFL," Barnett wrote. "This has been a goal of mine since I put on shoulder pads for the first time. Now having a wife and son, I am more motivated than ever to reach my goals and take full advantage of time I have left in my college career."

The quarterback’s departure could put ASU in a difficult position moving forward. Behind Wilkins and Sterling-Cole, ASU has only one other scholarship quarterback – redshirt-freshman Ryan Kelley. After Wilkins leaves this season, the Sun Devils will be down to two, which will make quarterback a priority in future recruiting.

Barnett will become the third scholarship quarterback to leave ASU over the past two years, joining Bryce Perkins (now at Virginia via junior college) and Brady White (Memphis.)

Offensive lineman retires

Junior offensive lineman Mason Walter has retired for health reasons.

A former three-star high school prospect from Temecula, Calif., Walter was slowed by injuries for most of his career. He's the second lineman -- joining sophomore Marshal Nathe -- to retire for health reasons over the last month.

Contact Doug Haller at 602-444-4949 or at doug.haller@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/DougHaller.

Pat Tillman's mother Mary Tillman hugs her granddaughter as she looks up at a statue in her son's likeness during an unveiling ceremony at Sun Devil Stadium Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, in Tempe.
David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports

Workers erect the giant support for the jumbotron in the north endzone as the Arizona State University football team practices at Sun Devil Stadium, Wednesday, April 12, 2017.
Tom Tingle/azcentral sports

This will be the new Tillman Tunnel at Sun Devil Stadium. It is in the north end zone and is part of the new football building being constructed. Head Coach Todd Graham, along with construction company officials, gave a tour of the new facilities, Wednesday, March 1, 2017.
Tom Tingle/azcentral sports

This will be the new Tillman Tunnel at Sun Devil Stadium. It is in the north end zone and is part of the new football building being constructed. Head Coach Todd Graham, along with construction company officials, gave a tour of the new facilities, Wednesday, March 1, 2017.
Tom Tingle/azcentral sports

ASU Head Coach Todd Graham leads a media tour through the new football building at Sun Devil Stadium. It is in the north end zone and is under construction. Graham, along with construction company officials, gave a tour of the new facilities, Wednesday, March 1, 2017.
Tom Tingle/azcentral sports

This will be the new weight room in the north end zone of Sun Devil Stadium. ASU Head Coach Todd Graham, along with construction company officials, gave a tour of the new facilities, still under construction, Wednesday, March 1, 2017.
Tom Tingle/azcentral sports

ASU Head Coach Todd Graham is silhouetted as he leads a media tour through the new football building at Sun Devil Stadium. The building is state of the art and located in the north end zone. Graham, along with construction company officials, gave a tour of the new facilities, Wednesday, March 1, 2017.
Tom Tingle/azcentral sports

This is a functional rooftop for events on top of the new football building at Sun Devil Stadium. The building is state of the art and located in the north end zone. Graham, along with construction company officials, gave a tour of the new facilities, still under construction, Wednesday, March 1, 2017.
Tom Tingle/azcentral sports

College football fans take in the newly renovated Sun Devil Stadium before the ASU football season opener against NAU at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on Saturday, September 3, 2016.
David Wallace/azcentral sports

College football fans walk on the walkway below the upper concourse before the ASU football season opener against NAU at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on Saturday, September 3, 2016.
David Wallace/azcentral sports

College football fans walk on the walkway below the upper concourse before the ASU football season opener against NAU at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on Saturday, September 3, 2016.
David Wallace/azcentral sports

College football fans take in the newly renovated Sun Devil Stadium before the ASU football season opener against NAU at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on Saturday, September 3, 2016.
David Wallace/azcentral sports

Fans start to fill Sun Devil Stadium before an Arizona State University verses Northern Arizona University football game at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on September 3, 2016.
Cheryl Evans/azcentral sports

VIP seating on the west side of Sun Devil Stadium as seen during a tour of Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, as the end of Phase two renovations are nearing completion on Tuesday, August 23, 2016.
David Wallace/azcentral sports

VIP seating on the west side of Sun Devil Stadium as seen during a tour of Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, as the end of Phase two renovations are nearing completion on Tuesday, August 23, 2016.
David Wallace/The Republic

VIP seating on the west side of Sun Devil Stadium as seen during a tour of Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, as the end of Phase two renovations are nearing completion on Tuesday, August 23, 2016.
David Wallace/The Republic

Metal framework is still open for where the huge scoreboard will go in the north part of Sun Devil Stadium during the Phase three renovation as seen during a tour of Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, as the end of Phase two renovations are nearing completion on Tuesday, August 23, 2016.
David Wallace/The Republic

New seats on the west side of Sun Devil Stadium are seen from field level during a tour of Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, as the end of Phase two renovations are nearing completion on Tuesday, August 23, 2016.
David Wallace/The Republic

The open Sun Deck on the north side of Sun Devil Stadium as seen during a tour of Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, as the end of Phase two renovations are nearing completion on Tuesday, August 23, 2016.
David Wallace/The Republic

New seating are seen on the west and north part of Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, during a tour of the stadium as the end of Phase two renovations is nearing completion on Tuesday, August 23, 2016.
David Wallace/The Republic

New seats on the west side of Sun Devil Stadium are seen during a tour of Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, as the end of Phase two renovations are nearing completion on Tuesday, August 23, 2016.
David Wallace/The Republic

Crews lay new sod for the football field at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The Sun Devils kick-off their home season on Sept. 3rd against Northern Arizona. Sun Devil Stadium is undergoing a multiyear, major renovation.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Brian Johnson, head grounds keeper talks about the installation the new football field at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The Sun Devils kick-off their home season on Sept. 3rd against Northern Arizona. Sun Devil Stadium is undergoing a multiyear, major renovation.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Sun Devil Stadium is undergoing a multiyear, major renovation in Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The Sun Devils kick-off their home season on Sept. 3rd against Northern Arizona.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Sun Devil Stadium is undergoing a multiyear, major renovation in Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The Sun Devils kick-off their home season on Sept. 3rd against Northern Arizona.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Sun Devil Stadium is undergoing a multiyear, major renovation in Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The Sun Devils kick-off their home season on Sept. 3rd against Northern Arizona.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Sun Devil Stadium is undergoing a multiyear, major renovation in Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The Sun Devils kick-off their home season on Sept. 3rd against Northern Arizona.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Crews lay the new sod for the football field Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The Sun Devils kick-off their home season on Sept. 3rd against Northern Arizona. Sun Devil Stadium is undergoing a multiyear, major renovation.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Sun Devil Stadium is undergoing a multiyear, major renovation in Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The Sun Devils kick-off their home season on Sept. 3rd against Northern Arizona.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Sun Devil Stadium is undergoing a multiyear, major renovation in Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The Sun Devils kick-off their home season on Sept. 3rd against Northern Arizona.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Sun Devil Stadium is undergoing a multiyear, major renovation in Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The Sun Devils kick-off their home season on Sept. 3rd against Northern Arizona.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Crews lay the new sod for the football field at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The Sun Devils kick-off their home season on Sept. 3rd against Northern Arizona. Sun Devil Stadium is undergoing a multiyear, major renovation.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Crews lay the new sod for the football field Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The Sun Devils kick-off their home season on Sept. 3rd against Northern Arizona. Sun Devil Stadium is undergoing a multiyear, major renovation.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Crews lay the new sod for the football field at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The Sun Devils kick-off their home season on Sept. 3rd against Northern Arizona. Sun Devil Stadium is undergoing a multiyear, major renovation.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Crews lay the new sod for the football field at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The Sun Devils kick-off their home season on Sept. 3rd against Northern Arizona. Sun Devil Stadium is undergoing a multiyear, major renovation.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Crews lay new sod for the football field at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The Sun Devils kick-off their home season on Sept. 3rd against Northern Arizona. Sun Devil Stadium is undergoing a multiyear, major renovation.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Crews lay new sod for the football field at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The Sun Devils kick-off their home season on Sept. 3rd against Northern Arizona. Sun Devil Stadium is undergoing a multiyear, major renovation.
Brian Johnson, Head Grounds Keeper
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Crews lay the new sod for the football field Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday, July 21, 2016. The Sun Devils kick-off their home season on Sept. 3rd against Northern Arizona. Sun Devil Stadium is undergoing a multiyear, major renovation.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

May 25, 2016: Aerial view of construction at Sun Devil Stadium home of the Arizona State Sun Devils football team. Also visible is the Wells Fargo Arena (top left) home of the mens and women basketball teams.
Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

May 25, 2016: Aerial view of construction at Sun Devil Stadium home of the Arizona State Sun Devils football team. Also visible is the Wells Fargo Arena (top left) home of the mens and women basketball teams.
Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

A rendering of theFounders Club section, which is luxury seating with private entrances and restrooms as well as a full service buffet with select beer, wine options and premium liquor.
Photo: Sun Devil Athletics

A rendering of the southeast entrance of Sun Devil Stadium. Fans will have the option to walk up a flight of stairs or take an elevator to the main concourse, located above the lower bowl.
Photo: Sun Devil Athletics

A rendering of the upper concourse on the upper east side, which is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2017 season. Fans will have access to new concessions and restrooms.
Photo: Sun Devil Athletics

A rendering of the main concourse level, scheduled to be completed in 2017. Fans will have a 360-degree walkway above the lower bowl with views of the field, in addition to new concessions and restrooms.
Photo: Sun Devil Athletics

A rendering of the ofthe west side premium level, accessible by a private entry. The Legends Club offers a climate-controlled lounge, a full-service buffet, select beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages and premium liquor available.
Photo: Sun Devil Athletics

Sun Devil Stadium is in the midst of a $256 million renovation that is being done in stages. This shows the new student section of the south end zone on Tuesday, September 8, 2015.
Photo: David Wallace/azcentral sports

Construction workers stand in the tunnel underneath the student section of the south end zone during a tour of the new features of the stadium at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on Tuesday, September 8, 2015. This area features concessions and bathrooms that were not previously there.
Photo: David Wallace/azcentral sports

Concession stands in the tunnel underneath the student section of the south end zone during a tour of the new features of the stadium at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on Tuesday, September 8, 2015. This area features concessions and bathrooms that were not previously there.
Photo: David Wallace/azcentral sports

Vincent Enriquez (left) and Scott Peterson of Volteo, check sensors for game day/ stadium only social media in the new south end zone student section during a tour of the new features of Sun Devil stadium in Tempe on Tuesday, September 8, 2015.
Photo: David Wallace/azcentral sports

Ray Anderson, (left) ASU vice president of university athletics and athletic director, and Dan Saftig, chief development officer of the ASU Foundation, talk in front of the new south end zone student section during a tour of the new features of Sun Devil Stadium at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on Tuesday, September 8, 2015.
Photo: David Wallace/azcentral sports

The southeast tunnel of Sun Devil Stadium during a tour of the new features of the stadium at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on Tuesday, September 8, 2015. The southeast tunnel was made more narrow and will only be used by students entering the student section in the south end zone.
Photo: David Wallace/azcentral sports

Members of the media take a tour of the new features of Sun Devil Stadium, by the new student section in the south end zone, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on Tuesday, September 8, 2015.
Photo: David Wallace/azcentral sports

Ray Anderson, (right) ASU Vice President of University Athletics and Athletic Director, looks on in the southeast tunnel of Sun Devil Stadium during a tour of the new features of the stadium at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on Tuesday, September 8, 2015.
Photo: David Wallace/azcentral sports

A large concrete beam gets hauled away after being removed from stadium's south endzone in July 2015. Spectators will be able to see into the stadium from the contiguous concourse, creating a more open feeling and better air flow.
Photo: @natemorris75

Existing concourses will be demolished and rebuilt along with restrooms and concession stands. ASU envisions the new facility will provide more flexibility
for functions that go beyond game days like weddings and
receptions.
Photo: azcentral sports

The first phase of construction includes removal of the upper-bowl seating on
the northwest and northeast sides of the stadium. The first phase is expected to
wrap up in August 2015. This shows construction on April 25, 2015.
Photo: azcentral sports

The field at Sun Devil Stadium in 1958. Officials suspected that students from University of Arizona burned "No 200" on the 50-yard line. Proposition 200, which was on the ballot that year, was a measure to change the name of the college to Arizona State University.
Photo: Arizona State University Archives

A scale model Sun Devil Stadium showed how the facility would look and fit between the Buttes. The photo accompanied an article that appeared in the September 1957 'Arizona Statesman', an alumni publication.
The Arizona Statesman